Meaning of Washtub Bass in Music
The **washtub bass**, also known as the **gutbucket**, is a stringed instrument used in American folk music. It is constructed using a metal washtub as a resonator. While it is possible for a washtub bass to have multiple strings and tuning pegs, traditional washtub basses typically have a single string. The pitch of the string is adjusted by pushing or pulling on a staff or stick to change the tension.
The washtub bass has a rich history in American music. It was commonly used in jug bands, which were popular in some African American communities in the early 1900s. Jug bands typically featured a combination of homemade instruments, including the washtub bass, washboard, spoons, and jug. These bands played a unique style of music that combined elements of blues, jazz, and folk.
During the 1950s, British skiffle bands adopted a variant of the washtub bass called the **tea chest bass**. Skiffle was a genre of music that emerged in England and was heavily influenced by American blues and folk music. The tea chest bass was a key instrument in skiffle bands, providing a deep and resonant bass sound.
In the 1960s, the washtub bass continued to be used by US folk musicians, particularly those influenced by jug band music. One notable example is Stu Cook, the bassist of Creedence Clearwater Revival, who played the washtub bass on the track "Poorboy Shuffle" from the album "Willy and the Poor Boys".
Overall, the washtub bass holds a significant place in the history of American folk music and has contributed to the unique sound and character of various musical genres.
References: 'Washtub bass - Wikipedia' -
A folk instrument constructed by the musicians themselves who do not have access to the traditional string or double bass. It is made from an overturned washtub (the resonator), a broom handle (the neck), and a single string. The tension on the string is provided by pulling back and forth on the handle.
Leave a Reply